GradConnect: Penn PhD Orientation In-Person
One University. Many Graduate Communities. A Network of Support.
As Penn PhD or Research Master's student, you will join a vibrant academic program within your school or department—and you will also become part of a larger university-wide community of scholars.
Join fellow graduate students from across the university for a campus-wide orientation experience designed to complement your school and program onboarding. Learn more about campus resources, connect with students from diverse disciplines, discover opportunities for involvement and support, and build community beyond your department.
Join incoming PhD and research master's students from across the university for a day of connection, conversation, and discovery. Throughout the day, you will:
- Learn how campus centers work in partnership with schools, departments, and research centers to support graduate student success.
- Hear from current PhD students about building community, finding mentors, and navigating the challenges and opportunities of doctoral study.
- Discover university-wide resources for research, writing, teaching, career development, funding, wellness, accessibility, and student life.
- Connect with other doctoral students and begin building a network that extends beyond your department.
Whether you are looking to meet peers outside your program, learn where to turn for support, or begin your doctoral journey with a strong sense of connection and belonging, GradConnect will help you start your program connected, informed, and supported by a university-wide network dedicated to your success.
Sponsored by the Vice Provost for Graduate Education and hosted by the Grad Center, in partnership with schools and campus partners across the university.
Event Details
Date: Monday, August 17
Time: 9:00am - 3:00pm
Location: ARCH Building
- Date:
- Monday, August 17, 2026
- Time:
- 9:30am - 3:00pm
- Time Zone:
- Eastern Time - US & Canada (change)
- Location:
- Other Campus Location- see event details
- Audience:
- PhD Students
- Categories:
- New Student Programs
Please share any food allergies well in advance. Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made at least 5 business days prior to the event date to gradcenter@upenn.edu. A good faith effort will be made to fulfill requests made after the 5-business-day deadline has passed. For questions regarding accommodations, please contact Disability Services staff at disabilityservices@vpul.upenn.edu.